Penrhyndeudraeth Picture Archive In pictures

Project leaders said the archive has attracted "tremendous interest" as part of the year-long project to establish web sites in five communities.

Many of the photographs of the former Cooke's Explosive Works in Penrhyndeudraeth are undated.

Organisers are looking for more information about those pictured.

The factory operated for 75 years before it closed in 1997 and photos include workers and their families.

Hefin Williams, project manager for Deudraeth Cyf, who developed the site, said: "The archive has attracted tremendous interest, we even had a man from Thailand, but originally from Porthmaodg, visiting us over Christmas saying how much he liked the site".

This is the only site which is run in this way in the whole of Wales Hefin Williams, project manager

"Many of the photographs are undated and we want to know more about those pictured," he added.

The website was set up during 2005 as part of an Intereg project - between Wales and Ireland - and has been so successful it may now be expanded outside the five areas of Penrhyndeudraeth, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Porthmadog, Harlech and Cricieth.

It is run by volunteers living in each community.

The archive idea has been so successful, the website may now be expanded.

Software

Mr Williams said: "All the information and photographs being put on the site are being put in by the people themselves as opposed to them bringing the information to us and then us deciding which is the most important elements to include," he added.

Content control is monitored by a 'controlling group' in each area and those interested in contributing to the site are given a special password following an IT course run by Deudraeth Cyf.

"This system is incredibly flexible and in fact we have even gone as far as to translate all the software which forms the basis of the site, so anyone who needs to can administer the site in the Welsh language if they wish to do so."

Local people have already contributed over a 100 pictures to the website showing life as it used to be in the area.